from a compound of ἀπό and λύτρον; (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation:--deliverance, redemption.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀπολύτρωσις (apolýtrōsis), Strong's number `{{G629}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apó), meaning "from" or "away from," and λύτρον (lýtron), meaning "a ransom" or "price of release." This etymological foundation immediately conveys the core meaning: a complete and definitive release secured *by means of* a payment or ransom. It signifies not merely a liberation, but a liberation achieved through a specific, often costly, act of redemption.
In its semantic range, ἀπολύτρωσις moves from the literal context of purchasing freedom for slaves or prisoners of war to its profound theological application in the New Testament. It denotes a full and final "ransoming in full," implying a complete riddance from a state of bondage or penalty. The prefix ἀπό intensifies the idea of separation *from* something, emphasizing the finality and effectiveness of the redemption. Thus, it encompasses concepts of deliverance, liberation, and ultimately, Christian salvation, understood as a release from the power and penalty of sin and death through a divine transaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀπολύτρωσις appears ten times in the New Testament, predominantly in Paul's epistles and Hebrews, consistently pointing to God's redemptive work through Christ.
1. **Romans 3:24**: "being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Here, ἀπολύτρωσις is presented as the means by which justification is accomplished. It underscores that humanity's release from sin's condemnation is not earned but is a gracious act of God, secured by Christ's sacrificial death.
2. **Romans 8:23**: "And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body." This verse highlights the eschatological dimension of ἀπολύτρωσις, referring to the future glorification and liberation of the physical body from the effects of sin and decay. It points to the consummation of salvation.
3. **1 Corinthians 1:30**: "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." Christ Himself is identified as the source and embodiment of redemption for believers, indicating that salvation is found solely in Him.
4. **Ephesians 1:7**: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This passage explicitly links ἀπολύτρωσις to the shedding of Christ's blood, emphasizing the costly nature of this liberation and equating it with the forgiveness of sins.
5. **Ephesians 1:14**: "who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory." Similar to Romans 8:23, this verse speaks of a future redemption, specifically the full and final liberation of God's people, secured by the Holy Spirit as a down payment.
6. **Ephesians 4:30**: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." This again points to a future, definitive "day of redemption," when believers will be fully transformed and delivered from all remaining effects of sin.
7. **Colossians 1:14**: "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." This parallels Ephesians 1:7, reiterating that redemption, resulting in the forgiveness of sins, is found in Christ.
8. **Hebrews 9:15**: "For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." Here, Christ's death is presented as the necessary ransom to redeem humanity from the transgressions committed under the old covenant, thereby enabling access to the eternal inheritance promised in the new covenant.
9. **Hebrews 11:35**: "Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection." While the context is different, this use refers to a physical release or redemption from death, though not in the same theological sense as the other uses, highlighting the broader concept of deliverance.
10. **Luke 21:28**: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." This passage, within an eschatological discourse, refers to the ultimate deliverance and salvation of God's people at the return of Christ.
Across these contexts, ἀπολύτρωσις consistently denotes a profound and comprehensive liberation, secured by a divine act (Christ's sacrifice), with implications for both present forgiveness and future glorification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of redemption in the New Testament is rich and multifaceted, drawing on several related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **λύτρον (lýtron)** `{{G3083}}`: The "ransom" or "price of release" itself. Jesus states in [[Mark 10:45]] that He came "to give His life a ransom for many." ἀπολύτρωσις is the *act* or *result* of this ransom.
* **λυτρόω (lytróō)** `{{G3084}}`: The verb "to redeem" or "to set free by payment." For instance, [[Titus 2:14]] states that Christ "redeemed us from every lawless deed."
* **λύτρωσις (lýtrōsis)** `{{G3085}}`: A noun meaning "redemption" or "deliverance," often used in the Septuagint for Israel's deliverance from Egypt. While similar to ἀπολύτρωσις, the latter, with its ἀπό prefix, often carries a stronger sense of a complete and definitive separation from the state of bondage.
* **ἀγοράζω (agorázō)** `{{G59}}`: "to buy in the marketplace." Used in [[1 Corinthians 6:20]] and [[1 Corinthians 7:23]] to speak of believers being "bought with a price."
* **ἐξαγοράζω (exagorázō)** `{{G1805}}`: "to buy out of" or "to redeem from." This term is used in [[Galatians 3:13]] for Christ "redeeming us from the curse of the Law" and in [[Galatians 4:5]] for Christ "redeeming those who were under the Law." It emphasizes buying out of a specific sphere of influence or bondage.
Theologically, ἀπολύτρωσις is intimately connected with:
* **Justification:** Being declared righteous by God, made possible through redemption ([[Romans 3:24]]).
* **Forgiveness:** The cancellation of sin's debt, which is a direct outcome of redemption ([[Ephesians 1:7]]).
* **Propitiation:** The appeasement of God's wrath through Christ's sacrifice, which undergirds redemption.
* **Reconciliation:** The restoration of relationship between God and humanity, achieved through Christ's redemptive work.
* **Atonement:** The covering or making amends for sin, a broader concept encompassing redemption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπολύτρωσις is profound and central to Christian doctrine:
1. **Divine Initiative and Costly Grace:** Redemption is not something humanity could achieve for itself. It is a sovereign act of God, initiated by His love and accomplished through the immeasurable cost of His Son's life and blood ([[Ephesians 1:7]]). This underscores that salvation is entirely by grace, a gift purchased at an infinite price.
2. **Freedom from Ultimate Bondage:** The primary bondage from which humanity is redeemed is that of sin and death. ἀπολύτρωσις signifies liberation from sin's power, its guilt, its penalty, and ultimately, its presence. It also signifies freedom from the curse of the Law and the dominion of Satan. This is a comprehensive freedom, affecting every aspect of human existence.
3. **The Person and Work of Christ:** Christ is the Redeemer. His sacrificial death on the cross is the ransom payment that secures this complete liberation. He is not merely the *agent* of redemption but the *substance* of it ([[1 Corinthians 1:30]]). His blood is the precious currency by which our freedom is bought.
4. **Past, Present, and Future Dimensions:** The New Testament presents redemption as an "already-not yet" reality.
* **Past:** Believers *have been* redeemed from the penalty and guilt of sin through Christ's finished work (e.g., [[Romans 3:24]], [[Ephesians 1:7]]).
* **Present:** Believers are presently experiencing the ongoing effects of redemption, living in freedom from sin's dominion (e.g., [[Romans 6]]).
* **Future:** The full realization of redemption, including the glorification of the body and complete liberation from all effects of the Fall, awaits Christ's return (e.g., [[Romans 8:23]], [[Ephesians 4:30]]). This future hope provides assurance and motivation for perseverance.
5. **Purpose of Redemption:** Redemption is not an end in itself but serves a divine purpose: to bring humanity back into a right relationship with God, to make us His holy possession, and to bring Him glory ([[Ephesians 1:14]]).
### Summary
ἀπολύτρωσις (apolýtrōsis) is a powerful Greek term denoting a comprehensive and complete redemption, a definitive release from bondage secured through a ransom payment. In the New Testament, this ransom is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The term encapsulates the profound theological truth that humanity, enslaved by sin and death, has been purchased and set free by God's costly grace. This redemption is multifaceted, having been accomplished in the past through Christ's work, presently experienced by believers through the indwelling Spirit, and awaiting its glorious consummation in the future with the full liberation of the body and the arrival of the "day of redemption." It is a central pillar of Christian salvation, highlighting the divine initiative, the infinite cost, and the glorious freedom offered through Christ alone.
TRV